Pit bull fans will rally before tonight's Aurora City Council meeting

If chickens are now legal in Aurora, can pit bulls be far behind? Tonight Aurora City Council will consider a proposal to change the breed ban that prohibits pit bulls in the city -- and in advance of that meeting, at 6 p.m. repeal supporters will rally outside Aurora City Hall, 15151 East Alameda Parkway in Aurora, urging council to replace the nine-year-old ordinance with a stronger, "breed-neutral" dangerous dog law. Although similar efforts in Denver, where pit bulls have been banned for decades, have gone nowhere, Aurora's pit-bull fans hope to unleash some changes in the current law.

At a March 3 study session, councilmembers discussed possible ownership requirements if pit bulls are to be allowed in Aurora. The eleven conditions (minus provisions requiring a muzzle to be worn by the dog in public and warning signs posted at the property of the owner) to be discussed at tonight's meeting:

Annual licensing and license fee

Proof of rabies vaccination

Owner and handler must be at least 21 years of age

Homeowner's or renter's insurance with a minimum of $100,000 in liability coverage

Proof of the dog being spayed or neutered

Proof that the dog is microchipped

When on the property of the owner, the dog must be either confined inside the house or in a locked secured pen in the rear yard, or with someone 21 years of age or older in a six-foot fenced rear yard

No pit bull may be kept on a porch, patio, or any other part of the house that would allow the dog to exit on its own volition

When off the owner's property, the dog must leashed on a 4 foot leash and handled by someone at least 21 years of age

The own must notify animal care if the pit bull becomes loose, stolen, at-large, unconfined, has mauled, bitten, attacked, threatened, or in any way menaced another animal or human

Failure to comply with any of these conditions shall result in a revocation of the license, impoundment and disposition of the dog by animal care.

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